And make short work of any spills by resealing twice a year: Keeping in mind that this surface material is indeed slightly porous, mop or roll on a good slate sealerin order to prevent spills from seeping into the stone and staining. 'Slate is one of the mostpractical andaffordable types of stone flooring, making this timeless classic a suitable choice for those that are on a budget,' says Molly Platts, Floors of Stone (opens in new tab). [Slate] tiles are no longer reserved for country kitchens; were seeing more and more modern styles come through,' says Ryan Short,Flooring Buyer, Homebase. Published 29 July 22. This site uses cookies to deliver our services and to show you non-personalized ads. Great people and the best standards in the business. Check the manufacturer, source and quality of the slate tiles you have selected to ensure that they are durable and will last long against the pressure running along the kitchen. Wood stools sit on slate tiles at a black leathered countertop accenting a pantry pass through finished with folding glass doors. There are also several shapes to choose from. The high cost is a prime reason why slate is often reserved for the most visible rooms in the home. Beyond the five-minute sweep on a daily basis, youll want to schedule a deeper clean every few months. Slate is a durable, finely foliated, and brittle stone, and depending on the location and minerals of the slate in question it is oftenblack and grey in tone, but can also come with hints of red, purple, gold, and blue. Tile thickness can vary but 1/4-inch widths are the most commonly used. However, there are both benefits and drawbacks to the use of this material, which vary depending on the environment where it is being installed. In other environments, though, cleft slate can be uncomfortable underfoot. It is also possible to completely remove and replace the grout between tiles periodically over the life of the flooring. Theyre easy to clean and, if well looked after, they will stand the test of time. ", "Very reliable company and very fast. It's an expensive option, but if you'd still like to take the plunge, it's worth noting that stone tiles are great in combination with underfloor heating too as the heat is transferred easily from the underfloor heating system to the tiles. But limited selections of slate tiles are available at big-box home improvement centers and from franchised tile shops and direct-to-consumer distributors, such as MarbleWarehouse and The Tile Shop. Does your kitchen have bi-fold doors or large French doors opening out to the garden? This is good news if you're on the fence about splashing out on underfloor heating. If you're about to embark on a kitchen revamp or simply looking at somekitchen flooring ideasslate kitchen flooring could be the perfect solution for your space. Consider this when choosing slate flooring for a particular room. Rachel is currently crushing on reeded glass, large gingham prints, squishy curved furniture; like Buchanan Studios Studio chair, and vintage wall sconces; she especially adores Retrouvius for sourcing antique finds and feels inspired by Lonika Chande, Beata Heuman and Matilda Goad and already cant wait to start planning her next home, wherever that might be. As mentioned earlier, installing rigid slate floors is a pricey professional job because its an involved processthis challengemay not be for the faint of heart. White and blue transitional kitchen featuring white upper cabinets with dark blue lower cabinets finished with Farrow & Ball Hague Blue paint. Though the dark and textured surface wont quickly reveal tracked-in grime,a quick daily sweeping with either a broom or dry mop will eliminate its most damaging culprit: dust and dirt. Interior design trends come and go, but slate kitchen flooring has stood the test of time and proves to still be a popular and practical solution for many people. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide if slate is right for the use and demands of a particular room. Visit our corporate site. Depending on the location and how heavily the floor is used, these sealers may need to be reapplied every year or so. As a metamorphic rock, slate can come in many different shapes, colors, and textures. Slate floors might not be the coolest of kitchen floor surfaces but they're not out of style, in fact, they're such a timeless choice that they've been one of the most popular flooring trends for decades and will continue to be so. Contemporary galley kitchen features creamy white cabinets paired with marble countertops and marble subway tiled backsplash. This uniqueness can make slate a good choice for highly visible areas, such as entryways or large kitchens. Recognized mainly for its dark grey hue, it's a tone that complements both contemporary and classic interiors. Contemporary galley kitchen features sloped ceiling painted gray dotted with Thomas O'Brien Hicks Pendants illuminating creamy white cabinets paired with marble countertops and marble backsplash. The real advantage of slate over granite is that because it's used less often, it creates a more unique floor. It is always best to buy plenty of extra tiles to have on hand when you install a slate floor. Moreover, lower-quality slate can be crumbly and doesn't hold up quite as well as nearly indestructible granite. Experienced do-it-yourselfers can save a substantial amount of money by forgoing a call to the professionals and laying the floor on their own, leavingthe bulk of the budget for the cost of materials themselves. Slate and stone floors are a fantastic solution and one that won't break the bank. Regular sealing can help to some extent. Slate tiles provide a very nice, warm and comfortable atmosphere with their earth-colored hues since they come from natural rocks. In his youth, he began working in his family's tile import business, learning every aspect of the flooring industry, from design and fabrication to maintenance and repair. Armed with the information you need, you can then shop for slate kitchen flooring, confident its the right choice for your home. The initial cost to purchase natural slate flooring tiles can be quite high, especially when purchasing top-quality materials that are most likely to last for decades. Slate kitchen flooring often gets pigeon-holed into the country and farmhouse categories but it's such a great, timeless flooring option that can look good in any style property, modern or traditional. While the polished tiles are perfectly smooth, some forms of slate are finished with a rough, uneven (cleft) texture. Traditionally reserved for country farmhouse kitchens, slate kitchen flooring is a practical and good looking solution for modern spaces too. Great company and great staff. If youre considering installing slate floors in the kitchen, bath, mudroom, or patio, first consult our guide so that you have a better idea of what to expect out of the material. The grout lines on slate tile are also vulnerable. See our gallery of. Since slate tile is heavy, there are considerations on the weight-bearing ability of your kitchen floor. It is generally a very good flooring material for heavy-traffic areas. China or glass dishes that may survive being dropped on vinyl or laminate flooring will almost certainly break upon impact with slate. Best Wood For Shelves (Types & Pros and Cons), Plywood Kitchen Cabinets (Types & Grades), Types of Dracaena Plants (Varieties & Care Tips), Free Landscaping Rocks (12 Places To Find Materials), Hickory Kitchen Cabinets (Types & Pros and Cons), Deep Pantry Organization (Best Storage Tips & Ideas), Wood Tile Backsplash (Styles, Patterns & Pros and Cons), Frameless Cabinets (Different Types & Styles), Kitchen Wall Sconces (Designs, Materials & Placement), 125 Best Man Cave Ideas (Furniture & Decor Pictures), 129 Fence Designs & Ideas [Front & Backyard Styles]. Lovely cottage kitchen with glass-front upper cabinets and shaker lower cabinets paired with marble countertops and beadboard backsplash. Should you choose to install the floor yourself, be sure to stock basic carpenter hand and power tools in addition to some specialty tools, such as cement board clippers and diamond blade for your circular saw. Natural slate has the ability to bring unique and powerful beauty to flooring installation, combining the functional durability of hard tile with the awe-inspiring essence of natural stone. Black and brown stools sit on gray slate floor tiles at a zinc countertop accenting a brown brushed oak island finished with a sink lit by brass and glass lanterns. Any movement under the tile will likely cause cracks or breaks in the slate, and the tile may have to be replaced. This stone boasts texture in both coloringwhichcan include mixtures grays, tans, rusty browns, olive greens, and even specks ofpurple and cyanas well as contouring. Bobby Flay - Stunning kitchen with turquoise cabinets paired with white marble countertops and black slate tile backsplash. With a diploma in interior design and more than a decade working on interior magazines under her belt, she feels very at home sourcing the best contemporary houses the world has to offer for Livingetc. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. You may choose solid color slate tiles all across your kitchen floor or go country or European style with multicolored ones that have shades of gold and brown over black or dark blue. Team slate floors with dark cabinets and kitchen countertops for a dramatic, moody space or work them into a sleek scheme by ensuring the kitchen design is fuss-free and minimal. There might not be as much choice as vinyl kitchen flooring ideas, but slate is a classic choice. But without radiant heat, slate can be very chilly underfoot. It inspired her to not be afraid of mixing new and old, expensive and affordable, vintage and modern and so Rachel's current Victorian terrace in north London is very much an updated, contemporary take on a period property; think open-plan modern kitchen with concrete floors, feature fireplaces and her grandmothers paintings on the walls. Make sure that kitchen slate tiles are free from excess moisture especially if you have plywood subfloors. However, if the heating or oven is on then slate floors can warm up beautifully. I would recommend them to everyone who needs any metal or Fabrication work done. When shopping for ideas, some of the flooring characteristics to consider have a practical application and some an aesthetic purpose. Black and white butler's pantry with white beadboard cabinets adorned with oil rubbed bronze cabinet pulls alongside a honed black granite counter which frames a square porcelain sink with modern spray faucet highlighted by a white linear tiled backsplash with chalkboard paint on slate border below sliding glass front upper cabinets. In some instances, you may even need to reinforce the floor structure in order to support the flooring. ", 1041 Redi Mix Rd, Suite 102Little River, South Carolina 29566, Website Design, Lead Generation and Marketing by MB Buzz | Powered by Myrtle Beach Marketing | Privacy Policy | Terms and Condition, by 3D Metal Inc. Website Design - Lead Generation, Copyright text 2018 by 3D Metal Inc. -Designed by Thrive Themes | Powered by WordPress, Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, Vertical (Short-way) and Flat (Long-way) 90 degree elbows, Vertical (Short-way) and Flat (Long-way) 45 degree elbows, Website Design, Lead Generation and Marketing by MB Buzz. Your slate floor will be only as good as the substrate beneath, which must be rock-solid. In addition to the high cost of the slate itself, which typically averages from $4 to $10 per square foot, the cost of professional installation can add an additional $10 to $15 per square foot. Slate, like all natural stone, is a very hard material, and it is best avoided in rooms where young children or older adults run the risk of falling. The organic makeup of the stone is as revered as the premium style and makes it a popular choice for, Another choice for slate kitchen tiles is to leave the slate in its natural, irregular shape and place them in a design where they fit against each other. Any movement in the floor can cause the grout lines to crack, and they can be susceptible to stains, mold, and mildew, especially in damp locations. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Slate tile may outlive the life of the grout, but grout can be removed and redone. If youre having a new home built or simply updating your kitchen, flooring is likely on your list. During installation, the tiles must be sealed both with a penetrating sealer to close tiny pores in the stone, then a second barrier sealer to create a protective surface. This is especially true when it's installed in locations such as the kitchen and bathroom, or in entryways where it is immediately evident to visitors. Kitchen renovations can end up costing a fortune, especially if we get carried away with picking marble splashbacks and bespoke, oak cabinetry. This makes it an unsuitable choice for floors subject to heavy abuse, like those within a garage or warehouse. But if you're keen to save some funds, steer clear of more expensive wood kitchen flooring ideas or luxury stones and reclaimed brick flooring, and consider reliable slate instead. Copper Countertops (Types & Design Styles). Slate tiles are very efficient when used in the kitchen since these are very durable and does a great job of camouflaging dirt and other messes in the area. Cold kitchen flooring is something we'd all rather avoid, and if it's cold out and there's no heating on, slate will feel cold underfoot. Country cabin kitchen features barn board cieling over white upper cabinets and black lower cabinets paired with honed black marble countertop and slate tiled backsplash in grid pattern situated across from black kitchen island accented with raised breakfast bar with black marble waterfall countertop lined with industrial barstools illuminated by vintage metal light pendants. Livingetc is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Find licensed flooring experts in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project. 15 Totally Unexpected DIY Flooring Alternatives. Installed correctly, the substrate is optimal and the floor will last for many years. Slate flooring provides an extremely unique look, but it is a fairly high-maintenance flooring when compared to the most popular natural stone, granite tiles. These stone tiles range in price depending on how much effort was required to quarry, from around $2 per square foot (stone mined closer to the earths surface, and therefore easier to acquire) to as much as $10 per square foot (often a higher-end stone that is mined underground)still a fair amount less than the price for marble or granite flooring. By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila | Updated Sep 24, 2020 6:09 PM. We specialize in fabricating residential and commercial HVAC custom ductwork to fit your home or business existing system. If the plywood subfloor becomes exposed as you remove the broken tile, apply a coat of water-based polyurethane to keep water from seeping into the wood. Stacked white kitchen cabinets accented with satin nickel knobs flank a white wooden range hood fixed against slate blue glass wall tiles. Step by Step Guide to Installing Slate Tile, Learn the Pros and Cons of Beautiful Travertine Flooring, Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramic Tile Flooring, Marble Floors: Elegant, but Challenging to Install and Maintain, Replace a Broken Slate Floor Tile in a Few Simple Steps, Vinyl Flooring vs. Tiles Comparison Guide, Learn the Pros and Cons of Popular Bathroom Countertop Materials, Pros and Cons of Kitchen Countertop Materials, 20 Options for Kitchen Countertops: Pros and Cons, How to Pick the Best Tile for Your Outdoor Patio, How to Clean and Remove Stains From Slate Floor Tiles. But as far as a rigid flooring product goes, this sought-after material isnt suitable for all homes. Before Livingetc, Rachel had a stint finding homes for Ikea Family magazine where she was lucky enough to gallivant around the world on shoots meeting and interviewing interesting people, all with a very keen eye for blending high-end design with everyday items from Ikea. This results in a more grid-like, and quite rustic finish. There are so many textures and tones to choose from that will perfectly match your taste and style. 20+ Amazing Modern Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas, 49 Awesome Kitchen Lighting Fixture Ideas, Top 3 Most Popular Types of Steel Buildings, 10 Reasons Why the Kodiak Steel Homes is Better than Its Competitor, Mueller Metal Buildings For All Your Commercial & Storage Needs, 23+ Best Modern Room Dividers Youll Love. Slate tiles with a shiny surface do make a kitchen floor very slippery. Since you have a lot of work going on in this side of the home, it is only fair that you know some maintenance tips that will keep your kitchen slate tiles in healthy and stable condition. Whatever kitchen style you have or plan to install, from shaker and retro to sleek and modern kitchens, a slate stone floor provides a practical solution underfoot. Irregular shaped tiles with wide grout spaces in between should be cleaned with grout cleaners to keep them from scraping or sanding off. The same uniqueness that is one of slate's virtues can also be a drawback. You can set the irregular shaped ones together in wider grout lines for a country or European look. All you need to do is apply some tile cleaner, brush each tile carefully then rinse and dry with a mop or cloth. If you're keen to lean into the country vibe, then stick to the classics; shaker units, chunky wooden worktops, and a big butler sink. Extra moisture and air can seep and breathe through the subfloors reducing the stability of the entire floor structure. Kitchen with white cabinets paired with Statuario Marble countertops and subway tile backsplash over black slate tiled floor. Your kitchen is probably the busiest room in the house, so the floor needs to be hardwearing. The natural beauty of slate can manifest in unique ways in each stone, which means that every floor will have its own unique look, a piece of earth-born artistry. 'You should also consider the kitchen layout and how youll be using it. Like any natural stone flooring, slate will add real estate value to your home. Otherwise, bits of grout that get on the tile in the next steps could be very difficult to remove and mar your otherwise sophisticated surface. It's always looking at the latest sealants for extra protection - once applied the floor should be even easier to maintain. It is less advantageous in rarely seen bedrooms or spaces that are mostly covered with rugs. Both stick-framed and manufactured floor systems might require reinforcement and/or stronger underlayment before you can install slate tile. This guide will discuss the pros and cons of slate flooring in the kitchen, design options, and durability. Natural texture, super strength, stain resistance, and blend of vibrant hues are all reasons that slate tilethe thin, uniform-cut sheets of metamorphic rockranks high on the wish list of flooring choices. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Heres why you can trust us. The cost of labor typically runs two or three times the price of the tile, because the contractor has to prepare the substrate in multiple layers. There is a wide variety of both solid color and multicolored slate materials that are available to match nearly any decorative style scheme you are trying to create. Your email address will not be published. 'Slate flooring is stain-resistant and waterproof, making it an excellent choice for heavily used cooking areas,' explains Paul Bangs, Category Director, Kitchens, Flooring & Office at Wickes. When sealed regularly it can be an excellent flooring material in bathrooms and kitchens and may provide many years of service where another type of flooring might require several replacements. You can go with standard square tiles that measure 1 foot on all sides. Your options increase thanks to the availability of many grout colors that can complement or contrast with the tiles themselves. Such systems can be installed underneath the tile, heating not only the floor but also the surrounding environment as the heat rises. Gorgeous white modern kitchen design with floor to ceiling white frameless kitchen cabinets paired with light gray quartz countertops against stone tile backsplash. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. You should carefully choose flooring that will withstand the odd spillage from washing up, and the temperature and moisture changes that happen while cooking. This leaves a very creative option to mix and match shapes, sizes, and colors with the, By blending shapes, sizes and colors, the floor becomes more of a statement and using randomly shaped pieces of slate provides the most artistic and attention-getting kitchen flooring. Since slate is slightly porous, its a good idea to apply a penetrating stone sealant to the tiles before grouting. Slate tiles can come with smooth pre-cut surfaces which can be slippery when wet. Is Slate a Good Choice for Kitchen Floor? The grout can be sealed to prevent staining from liquids and spills and prevent mold and should be sealed regularly. If you do choose professional installation, know that the materials are the least expensive part of the cost of your new slate floors. The manufacturer should have a brochure for you to see all shapes, sizes, colors and qualities. Like other natural stone flooring, mined slate is a costly investment to purchase and install within the home. Slate is a natural stone flooring material that is quarried from out of the earth. Maintenance-wise, slate floors are easy to mop clean and because they're waterproof you don't have to worry about too many water spills. Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, All You Need to Know About Plywood Floors, All You Need to Know About Waxing Hardwood Floors, All You Need to Know About Painting Tile Floors, 8 Easy and Affordable Garage Floor Options, Just Floored! Livingetc is supported by its audience. Slate tile, like all natural stone, is difficult to cut without special tools. Grouting between slate tiles on the top-most layer is generally completed after the thin-set mortar sets. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The coolness may be desirable if you live in a warm climate but is much less so in cool climates. However, slate remains a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Here's how you should use this chalk paint alternative, The best hotels in Chicago, where fabulous design meets perfect rooftop pools, The definitive source of style-setting inspiration, Every issue packed with gorgeous interior style and clever design ideas. Slate is regarded as a relatively upscale flooring material. 'We would recommend two coats of our FOS sealer, one coat prior to grouting the tiles and a second coat after the tiles have been grouted.'. White and tan kitchen pantry featuring slate floor tiles and Moroccan style backsplash tiles. Joseph Lewitin is a flooring expert who grew up in the industry. These are all factors that will help you decide on what type of flooring is right for you,' explains Ryan Short,Flooring Buyer at Homebase (opens in new tab). "Highly skilled sheet metal fabricators with all the correct machinery to fabricate just about anything you need.